PONANT invites you to spend a magical Christmas aboard Le Boréal, between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula. A 16-day polar expedition cruise to discover the most beautiful sites of these southern lands.

You will set sail from the fascinating city of Ushuaia, which the Argentinians call El fin del mundo (the end of the world).

First, you will chart a course for the Falkland Islands, whose wild beauty and lush moors are sure to captivate you, before heading to South Georgia, its impressive glaciers and its black-sand beaches where large colonies of king penguins have taken up residence.

You will then sail to the White Continent, realm of the unexpected. Weather and ice conditions permitting, this extreme environment where nature reigns supreme will reveal to you its most beautiful secrets through numerous discoveries.

Gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins, humpback whales, seals and seabirds: these are some of the encounters you will most likely have the chance to experience in the Antarctic Peninsula, creating indelible memories.

Each day, whether on land, aboard your ship or during a Zodiac® outing, you will be surrounded by a grandiose decor ranging from icebergs to ice floe and ancient glaciers.

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the IAATO.

New: for your comfort and convenience, an optional premium package including one night in Ushuaia on the eve of boarding your ship and an excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park (for details, see the “Pre/post & overlands” tab for your cruise. Please contact your travel adviser for information and bookings).

LE BOREAL

Like her sisterships, Le Boréal embodies the subtle alliance between luxury, intimacy and wellbeing which is PONANT’s signature. The elegance of her exterior and interior lines and her intimate size (only 132 staterooms and suites) make this a rare and innovative yacht on the cruise market.

Port of call & excursions

Ushuaia

Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia lies in a bay opening into the Beagle Channel at the country's southernmost tip. Its colourful houses are framed against towering mountains, snow-capped in winter and summer alike. Downtown, the End of the World Museum showcases Tierra del Fuego's natural and indigenous history. A ride on the heritage railway is an exciting excursion into the Tierra del Fuego National Park, while a cruise on Ushuaia Bay is the perfect way to spot sea lions and Magellanic penguins.

15 December 2019 – At sea

Arrival 15/12/2019 . Departure 15/12/2019 .

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

16 December 2019 – New Island

Arrival 16/12/2019 . Departure 16/12/2019 .

This island with its distinctive jagged relief is located on the western edge of the Falkland Islands and is home to a tiny village of two families. Step onto the golden sand of its flower-lined beaches, beside which an old stone house still stands, and you'll feel like you've entered a natural paradise. A narrow pathway weaves around typical Falkland moorlands. Follow it and in under 20 minutes you'll find yourself at the heart of a colony of southern rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatrossand imperial shags. It's the perfect opportunity to watch the albatross swoop down from the cliffs and skim the waves that crash against the rocks on the exposed side of the island.

16 December 2019 – Grave Cove

Arrival 16/12/2019 . Departure 16/12/2019 .

Make your way through the turbulent Woolly Gut strait and emerge in the stillness of Grave Cove. Located in the northern edge of the Falkland Islands, this bay owes its name to the vestiges of whalers’ graves that overlook the beach. As you step off the boat and onto the white-sand beach, you might find yourself escorted by a few hospitable Commerson's dolphins, elegantly adorned in black and white. A stroll along the grassy dunes will lead you to a vast plain of lush green grass, tended by a few sheep. On the other side of the island you'll find one of the largest gentoo penguin colonies in the area. With some luck, you'll also glimpse a sea lion scouring the waves for his next meal.

17 December 2019▸18 December 2019 – At sea

Arrival 17/12/2019 . Departure 18/12/2019 .

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

19 December 2019▸21 December 2019 – South Georgia

Arrival 19/12/2019 . Departure 21/12/2019 .

Aboard your ship, discover South Georgia, a region formed by an underwater mountain chain that extends from the Andes to the Antarctic Peninsula. All the wildlife of the Far South can be found there: king and Gentoo penguins, elephant seals, fur seals… You might get the chance to discover the majestic glaciers of Gold Harbour and the vast plains of Fortuna Bay. If you are fortunate enough to land at Salisbury Plain, you can expect a wonderful spectacle: more than 300,000 king penguins, which you will recognise by the bright orange mark on their head and neck, have taken up residence there.

22 December 2019▸23 December 2019 – At sea

Arrival 22/12/2019 . Departure 23/12/2019 .

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

24 December 2019▸26 December 2019 – Antarctic Peninsula

Arrival 24/12/2019 . Departure 26/12/2019 .

To learn more about ecosystems, fauna and landscapes in Antarctic regions, go to the section “Discover Antarctica” of your cruise.

Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. To this day, the mythical Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas. Depending on which sites you will be lucky enough to visit, you may get the chance to observe them and share with them the beauty of these extreme parts.

Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest Zodiac® outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are the faces of the Antarctic that will likely reveal themselves to you, in a hushed and surreal atmosphere. You will sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and uninhabited lands.

27 December 2019▸28 December 2019 – Crossing the Drake Passage

Arrival 27/12/2019 . Departure 28/12/2019 .

If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to Antarctica. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Don't forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.

Ushuaia

Disembarkation 29/12/2019 at 07H00 .

Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia lies in a bay opening into the Beagle Channel at the country's southernmost tip. Its colourful houses are framed against towering mountains, snow-capped in winter and summer alike. Downtown, the End of the World Museum showcases Tierra del Fuego's natural and indigenous history. A ride on the heritage railway is an exciting excursion into the Tierra del Fuego National Park, while a cruise on Ushuaia Bay is the perfect way to spot sea lions and Magellanic penguins.

Formalities

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

Warning about the use of drones: the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.

Argentina: should you require a visa to travel to Argentina, we recommend you apply for a double-entry visa as a technical stop in Chile might be scheduled.

We remind you that all our ships, with the exception of Le Ponant, have a doctor on board and medical facilities. However, these cannot, under any circumstances, be compared to any medical structure on land. Given the remote areas in which we will be sailing for a number of days, safety requirements mean that we are obliged to ask each passenger signing up for this program to provide us, no more than 45 days before departure, with a medical certificate from their GP, as well as the completed medical questionnaire received during registration.

Discover Antarctica

Discover Antarctica

PONANT accompanies you in the choice of your expedition cruise. Discover the Antarctic riches with PONANT.

Theme

EXPEDITION

Exploring the world’s extreme regions while enjoying luxury comfort and service: that is the unique Expedition Cruise concept brought to you by Ponant, the world’s leading polar cruise specialist.

Exceptional itineraries

Ponant Expedition cruises take you off the beaten path, for true adventures that are both authentic and refined. We have designed a large number of itineraries just for you, to give you access to exceptional lands all around the globe. From the Arctic to the Antarctic via Alaska, South America or Oceania, each luxury Expedition is the promise of a different and unique cruise experience.

A luxury expedition voyage

No matter which destination you choose, you will always find the same exceptional standards of comfort, service and elegance that have forged Ponant’s reputation. Our sisterships have earned Class Comfort 1 certification and can sail in the world’s most extreme regions, whilst offering an intimate and refined luxury atmosphere and environment. A certain idea of luxury, a way of experiencing cruising... differently.

Discovering the wonders of the world

The hikes, excursions and Zodiac outings organised during your Expedition cruise provide ample opportunity for you to discover the hidden treasures of these regions. With guidance from our experienced naturalists, lecturers and guides, you will be able to approach a rich and unfamiliar wildlife and flora and meet little-known tribes and ethnic groups. On board and on land, our specialists will provide a cultural, historical or geological dimension, and will take great pleasure in answering all of your questions.

Important information

Expedition programmes include activities such as Zodiac® outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.

Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.

Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.

Clothing tips:

A PONANT polar water-resistant parka is offered on board for all departures with the logo “Free Parka” (no children sizes, in case of consecutive cruises, only one complimentary parka).

Half calf rubber boots with non-slip soles, which will allow you to go ashore in 20 cm of cold water, keeping your feet dry for walks and visits on steep paths. Boot rental will be offered onboard (for adults only) on Expedition cruises where the logo “Free Boot Rental” appears. Book your boots up to 7 days prior to departure, on our dedicated website https://boutique.ponant.com/, boots section. You will find them on board after embarkation. For more information, please contact us.

Pre/Post & Overlands

Before your cruise

To enable you to enjoy your cruise to the Antarctic in the greatest comfort, we have put together a premium package for you to enjoy on the eve of your cruise departure.

This programme will enable you, after a restful night spent in Ushuaia, to discover the world’s southernmost city and its spectacular setting, and to take an excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park before boarding your ship.

Since this programme replaces the standard “flights and transfers” package included by default in your cruise, please contact your travel adviser if you wish to book it. Please note that availability is limited. The indicated price (per person, based on double occupancy) shall be added to cruise's price, already including air package from/to Buenos Aires.

Welcome to Ushuaia! Capital of Tierra del Fuego, Land of Fire, the uttermost part of the world. Located 54 degrees south, this port on the famed Beagle Channel is the jumping off point for Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Windy, cold and desolate, Ushuaia is also magnificent and intriguing. Rising on an island, it seems to float between two oceans. The snow-capped mountains draw the border with Chile in the background. Here you truly feel at the end of the world…

You will be directly transferred to your hotel Arakur, one of the newest hotels built in Ushuaia, overlooking the town and its bay.

Check-in

Dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 – Ushuaia

In the morning, meet your guide and board your coach before leaving on your tour of the Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Created in 1960, the park covers 63 000 hectares (155 670 acres), it is located south west of the Tierra del Fuego Province on the Beagle Canal. One of his entries stands slightly over 6 miles from Ushuaia.

Mountainous landscapes, lagoons, bogs, and rivers draw a picturesque scenery reinforced by the southern position of the park itself. The Darwin Mountains, which represent the southern part of the Andes Mountains are mainly responsible for such landscape. The Park is only partly accessible to the Public and this tour will provide you with the opportunity to discover the local flora and sub-Antarctic landscapes; should you get lucky you may encounter beaver dams, birds, wild orchids, etc… This is a true paradise for Nature Lovers!

Lunch will be served in a restaurant within the Park.

At the end of your visit, you will return to Ushuaia and the port, for embarkation on your vessel.

Your hotel:

The luxury Arakur Ushuaia resort & Spa hotel is located within the Cerro Alarken Nature Reserve in Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost province of the Argentine Patagonia. Close to Mount Alarken’s summit and located on a natural balcony, 800 feet above sea level, the luxury hotel offers the perfect balance between calmness and adventure. The hotel is surrounded by stunning panoramic views, native forest, natural terraces and green areas harmoniously integrated into the environment. Each of the splendid rooms and suites is decorated using indigenous Argentine materials, such as copper, marble, stone and woods. A restaurant, an indoor pool, and an outdoor pool are available at the hotel.

Transfers, visits and entrance fees (national park) as mentioned in the programme.

Local bilingual escort on Day 1.

Local English-speaking guide/Tierra del Fuego national park on Day 2.

Your programme does not include:

Lunch on day 1.

Tips for driver and local guide

Personal expenses.

Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

Since this programme replaces the standard “flights and transfers” package included by default in your cruise, please contact your travel adviser if you wish to book it. Please note that availability is limited.

The local currency is the Argentinian Peso. You will be able to make most of your purchases in US (in small denominations) or by credit card, accepted in most hotels, shopping centres and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Pesos from the ATM’s.

Summer season: temperatures vary between 41F and 65F

We recommend you wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes

Contact of your hotel:

Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa

Heroes de Malvinas, 2617

9410, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego

Argentina

Telephone: +54 2901 44-2900

To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents. Passengers must check in at least two hours before flight departure time.

Attention: the prices listed at the time of your reservation can be different from those listed in the brochure. These prices can evolve based on availability and the real time rates of the airline companies selected.

Travellers are advised to check all the information with the authorities concerned prior to the departure date. Ponant advises Travellers to consult the country factsheets relating to the chosen destinations. Ponant specifically draws Travellers' attention to the fact that the information provided may change up until the departure date, and they are advised to consult that information up until the time of departure. CDP invites Travellers to adjust their behavior to the visited country, to exercise vigilance and to avoid carrying valuable objects during their travel.